Abstract: Background and Objective: Cassava products available in market for human consumption are from different cassava varieties. The study evaluated and compared some of the morphological and biochemical indices in 4 varieties of cassava (Manihot esculenta). Materials and Methods: The morphological parameters assessed were number of nodes, internodes, petiole length, stem length, stem color, leaf color and nature of branching per plant, while the biochemical indices were chlorophyll content of the leaves, hydrogen cyanide and proximate composition of the roots. Four varieties of cassava used were TMS 96/0603, TMS 92/0326, TMS 30572 and Umucass 44. Standard procedures were followed in the morphological and biochemical assessments. Results: The study showed morphological and biochemical differences among the four cassava varieties. Umucass 44 variety had the highest number of nodes with the lowest value for leaf petiole length compared to others. The early-branching and highest stem-length were observed in TMS 96/0603 variety, while others showed late-branching. The varieties with light-green pigmentation had the highest total chlorophyll content (TMS 92/0326>Umucass 44) followed by greenish-purple (TMS 30572) and dark-green (TMS 96/0603). The chlorophyll b of TMS 92/0326 variety was significantly different from the chlorophyll b of other varieties. TMS 92/0326 variety had the highest hydrogen cyanide content compared to other varieties. Crude fibre content was higher than the carbohydrate content in Umucass 44 variety, but the reverse was the case for other varieties. Conclusion: The study suggests the consumption of Umucass 44, TMS 96/0603 and TMS 30572 varieties based on the low cyanide content.
Subscribe Today 
